We have now finished our Community Champion project. We have recruited, supported and trained five volunteers and they are now active in their local community giving information on the whole process of applying for disability welfare benefits and other issues.

Below is a quote from of our Community Champions:

“I have been involved as a volunteer Community Champion with DIAL South Worcestershire for six months. I cannot commend DIAL as a local organisation highly enough. Right from the first meeting with Mary, I have received excellent information, training and highly professional supervision. I have attended training courses by Linda and these have also been informative and highly professional.

I am impressed with the priorities of DIAL, seeking to reach the highest standards of benefit information and support including outreach, to local people. I have witnessed first hand how much this work adds value to the lives of the most disabled and disadvantaged people across South Worcestershire. DIAL offers a standard of support that is quality assured and independently verified at the highest level. DIAL’s work constitutes great value for the money invested by funders. I am proud to belong to such an aspiring professional and efficient local organisation”. Peter.

Below is a quote from a client helped by one of our Community Champions:

“I was very reluctant to take up the chance of applying for any benefits. I never dreamed I would be entitled to anything as I have a small pension. My sight had been failing for some time, and I was beginning to struggle with everyday tasks. Ann was aware of this, she explained the attendance allowance criteria and supported me during the interview with the DIAL adviser. I was over the moon when I received the award”. DIAL Client

We are still interested in working with volunteers but need to recruit people who have some experience of benefit form filling. If you can help then please contact Cathy Merriman on 01905 27790 or email mail@dialsworcs.org.uk